Low-fat and no fat diet myths
Every magazine, talk shows and sales has some reference to a type of diet that has surprising results in a short period of time. Two diets are common low fat and non-fat diet. These diets cut out most or all of our fat intake per day. How true are the claims that these diets are, and how are they safe for your health?
Myth: All fat is bad for you
Done: Trans fats and saturated fats are bad for you, but there are fats that are actually good for you and essential to health. Saturated fat is the fat and hydrogenated trans-fats found in animal products, margarine, lard, and, of course, butter. These are the fats that should be avoided in order to lose weight, and generally to maintain good health.
Fats that are good for you that are not saturated fats include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These fats are found in olive oil, avocados and almonds. Omega-3 fats found in oily fish, flax seed oil and hemp see oil.
Myth: Fat does not have a purpose in a nutritional diet
Done: Non-saturated fatty actually play an important role in the diet. Not saturated fats, also known as essential fatty acids, are required for the body to carry fat-soluble vitamins in the body. These fats are also beneficial for your metabolic rate because they are sources of energy for the body.
Myth: Low-fat diets reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease
Done: In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers have discovered that there was no significant change in the risk of these diseases, when a diet low in fat has been followed. Two groups of women were studied, one group was put on a diet low in fat, while a second group maintained their regular diet for a period of 8.1 years. The study found that there was no significant reduction of cardiovascular disease, and only slight changes in risk factors.
Myth: You have to go on a diet low in fat to lose weight
Done: Even if you do not want to consume large amounts of fat, regardless if you are trying to lose weight or not, again, there are some necessary fats in a diet. Another study involving two groups of women and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, showed that women who followed a diet low in fat has lost only modest amounts of weight, only about 4.8 pounds in one year . In most cases, the weight was recovered after the first year.
What to do
With so many sources that tell us how to eat and what to eat, what we have to follow the advice? Many diets make claims in order to make money, so remember that when choosing a diet. In general, any diet that requires little or nothing (of any food) should be avoided. Our bodies need a wide range of nutrients every day, so starved of food may have important adverse effects. Be sure to allow yourself the opportunity to eat all the food groups on a daily basis and to exercise at least three times a week.
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